Kay Bratt
Author of The Scavenger's Daughters
About the Author
Series
Works by Kay Bratt
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Common Knowledge
- Gender
- female
- Short biography
- Kay Bratt is a child advocate and author who lived in China for almost five years and fell in love enough with the people to want to write about them forever. She has actively volunteered for several nonprofit organizations, including An Orphan’s Wish (AOW) and the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for abused and neglected children. In China, she was honored with the Pride of the City award for humanitarian work.If you would like to read more about what started her career as an author, and also meet the children she knew and loved in China, read her poignant and best selling memoir titled Silent Tears: A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage.
Bratt now resides in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina, with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat. [adapted from Kay Bratt author page, and the Scavenger's Daughter record, 5/7/2014] - Nationality
- USA
- Places of residence
- Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina, USA
South Carolina, USA - Associated Place (for map)
- South Carolina, USA
Members
Reviews
Sometimes in a long series, it's easy to get tired of the same old family members fighting the same old battles. The Hart Ridge series is just the opposite -- it just keeps getting better! I'm actually sad that the next book is the last book in the series but maybe the author will take her readers back to Hart's Ridge sometime in the future.
There's a lot going on in Hart's Ridge in book seven of the series. The Gray family is still arguing among themselves -- not huge arguments but the show more bickering that's done in a family that loves each other. Taylor is still searching for the person who assaulted her four years earlier and Sam has found a DNA genealogist and he hopes that once this mystery in Taylor's life is solved, she will be able to totally commit to him and their future life together. His life is upended when a 12 year old girl gets in touch with him and claims to be his daughter. He never knew that she existed and Taylor isn't sure how she feels about this new revelation in his life. To make life even more unsettled, there is a double murder of a well known family in town that left behind three adopted children. Taylor isn't the lead detective on the crime but she works hard to find out who the murderer is and to reduce the fear that the people in town are feeling.
This is a fast paced novel with lots of twists and turns with several issues happening at once. I think Taylor is a fantastic character. She's well written and we see her strength as she tries to solve the dual murder and on the other side, her love for her family and the people in the town. This book is a compelling read and I quickly turned pages to find out what happened next. Can't wait for book 8 which is the final book of this fantastic series. show less
There's a lot going on in Hart's Ridge in book seven of the series. The Gray family is still arguing among themselves -- not huge arguments but the show more bickering that's done in a family that loves each other. Taylor is still searching for the person who assaulted her four years earlier and Sam has found a DNA genealogist and he hopes that once this mystery in Taylor's life is solved, she will be able to totally commit to him and their future life together. His life is upended when a 12 year old girl gets in touch with him and claims to be his daughter. He never knew that she existed and Taylor isn't sure how she feels about this new revelation in his life. To make life even more unsettled, there is a double murder of a well known family in town that left behind three adopted children. Taylor isn't the lead detective on the crime but she works hard to find out who the murderer is and to reduce the fear that the people in town are feeling.
This is a fast paced novel with lots of twists and turns with several issues happening at once. I think Taylor is a fantastic character. She's well written and we see her strength as she tries to solve the dual murder and on the other side, her love for her family and the people in the town. This book is a compelling read and I quickly turned pages to find out what happened next. Can't wait for book 8 which is the final book of this fantastic series. show less
Taylor has handed in her badge and opened a Private Detective agency with her husband, Sam. They have been hired to investigate a possible wrongful imprisonment. Taylor’s sister, Anna has overcome so much in her adult life. She now finds herself accused of a crime, suspended and facing possible termination of a job she loves.
This is Book 13 in the Hart’s Ridge saga. At this point, the Grey family and Hart’s Ridge feel like home. While it’s the same cast of characters, each book show more brings to light a different issue a family member might be having, in addition to a police situation. While there is always something happening, these stories also focus on family, working together and their love of animals. These books are suspenseful, but they also leave one with a hopeful feeling. A cliffhanger ending promises another book is coming. Always a page turner, it can be read in one sitting. While I did miss Taylor’s police life and didn’t get the heart pounding rush I usually do, I became fully vested in Anna’s issue. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Graystone Investigations and the Gray Family.
I received an ARC of this book, this is my honest opinion. show less
This is Book 13 in the Hart’s Ridge saga. At this point, the Grey family and Hart’s Ridge feel like home. While it’s the same cast of characters, each book show more brings to light a different issue a family member might be having, in addition to a police situation. While there is always something happening, these stories also focus on family, working together and their love of animals. These books are suspenseful, but they also leave one with a hopeful feeling. A cliffhanger ending promises another book is coming. Always a page turner, it can be read in one sitting. While I did miss Taylor’s police life and didn’t get the heart pounding rush I usually do, I became fully vested in Anna’s issue. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Graystone Investigations and the Gray Family.
I received an ARC of this book, this is my honest opinion. show less
All (my) Dogs Go to Heaven: Signs from our Pets From the Afterlife and A Grief Guide to Get You Through by Kay Bratt
Thanks to Red Thread Publishing Group and author Kay Bratt for a digital advance readers copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
I was intrigued by the book's title, and am familiar with Kay Bratt's story because I follow her on Facebook, so was excited to be part of the book's launch team. Full disclaimer: I don't have any dogs and the only pet we've ever had was a black and white Dutch rabbit. But let me assure you that this didn't make any difference to me in enjoying this memoir. Kay show more writes from her heart, and anticipates the questions and arguments you might have. I was impressed with her theological research and biblical evidence to back up her statements about pets in heaven.
But this book isn't merely a list of reasons, or even just her anecdotal dog reminiscences. Kay skillfully tells her personal life story which includes a turbulent childhood, an early abusive marriage, finding the love of her life, being a mother, and becoming the successful writer she is today. Within this narrative she includes stories of the pets she's had throughout her life, and how they have supported her by providing hope through the sorrowful times. I appreciated her scripture references and how she shares her faith.
In addition to the sweet photos of her pets that conclude each chapter, Kay adds short essays within this memoir from real people who have experienced signs from their departed pets as proof that they are OK and waiting for them on the other side of the "rainbow bridge." I have also heard similar stories from those who have lost a human loved one, but have never had this experience myself. Even so, I'm not going to dispute the validity of this, since it gives them comfort and harms no one.
The inclusion of a Grief Guide to help get through the first days of loss of a pet gives the book added value, and makes this a thoughtful gift for someone struggling with this issue. Kay also includes a recipe for the special dogfood she makes for her dogs, including the rescue dogs she fosters and adopts. She is the Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas.
I think that whether or not you have dogs, this insightful story of Kay's life experiences is a worthwhile and touching read. If you have lost a pet, reading this memoir could provide you with hope and support. And for those considering fostering or adopting a dog, this is a good first person account. show less
I was intrigued by the book's title, and am familiar with Kay Bratt's story because I follow her on Facebook, so was excited to be part of the book's launch team. Full disclaimer: I don't have any dogs and the only pet we've ever had was a black and white Dutch rabbit. But let me assure you that this didn't make any difference to me in enjoying this memoir. Kay show more writes from her heart, and anticipates the questions and arguments you might have. I was impressed with her theological research and biblical evidence to back up her statements about pets in heaven.
But this book isn't merely a list of reasons, or even just her anecdotal dog reminiscences. Kay skillfully tells her personal life story which includes a turbulent childhood, an early abusive marriage, finding the love of her life, being a mother, and becoming the successful writer she is today. Within this narrative she includes stories of the pets she's had throughout her life, and how they have supported her by providing hope through the sorrowful times. I appreciated her scripture references and how she shares her faith.
In addition to the sweet photos of her pets that conclude each chapter, Kay adds short essays within this memoir from real people who have experienced signs from their departed pets as proof that they are OK and waiting for them on the other side of the "rainbow bridge." I have also heard similar stories from those who have lost a human loved one, but have never had this experience myself. Even so, I'm not going to dispute the validity of this, since it gives them comfort and harms no one.
The inclusion of a Grief Guide to help get through the first days of loss of a pet gives the book added value, and makes this a thoughtful gift for someone struggling with this issue. Kay also includes a recipe for the special dogfood she makes for her dogs, including the rescue dogs she fosters and adopts. She is the Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas.
I think that whether or not you have dogs, this insightful story of Kay's life experiences is a worthwhile and touching read. If you have lost a pet, reading this memoir could provide you with hope and support. And for those considering fostering or adopting a dog, this is a good first person account. show less
There are different kinds of isolation and it can either make or break a person. This is a beautifully written book about a mother's isolation from her family and the isolation that she and her daughter feel when they get lost at Yosemite. Will it make them stronger or break their spirits?
Sadie is ready to give up on her life. She has never recovered from the death of her son years earlier and has shut herself off emotionally from her husband and adopted daughter. She has given up her show more painting and basically her entire life. When she decides to make a surprise visit to her daughter, she has no idea that hiking in Yosemite National Park will be part of their plans. They are not prepared and when a short hike becomes a life threatening crisis, they have to be strong and rely on each other to survive. As they search for food and water and safety from predators, they both have to dig deep into themselves for their inner strength if they have a chance of survival. As their chances of survival dwindle, will they find it in themselves to really love and forgive?
This is a beautiful and well written novel with fantastic characters - flaws and all - that will have readers hoping for their survival and unable to put the book down. I loved it and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own. show less
Sadie is ready to give up on her life. She has never recovered from the death of her son years earlier and has shut herself off emotionally from her husband and adopted daughter. She has given up her show more painting and basically her entire life. When she decides to make a surprise visit to her daughter, she has no idea that hiking in Yosemite National Park will be part of their plans. They are not prepared and when a short hike becomes a life threatening crisis, they have to be strong and rely on each other to survive. As they search for food and water and safety from predators, they both have to dig deep into themselves for their inner strength if they have a chance of survival. As their chances of survival dwindle, will they find it in themselves to really love and forgive?
This is a beautiful and well written novel with fantastic characters - flaws and all - that will have readers hoping for their survival and unable to put the book down. I loved it and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own. show less
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